Storage device and a data backup method thereof

ABSTRACT

A data backup method of a storage device which includes a storage controller, a buffer memory, and a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices, the method including: detecting a power-off event of an external power provided to the storage device; deactivating a host interface of the storage controller in response to the detection of the power-off event; moving data stored in the buffer memory to a static random access memory (SRAM) in the storage controller; blocking or deactivating a power of the buffer memory; setting an interleaving mode of the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices to a minimum power mode; and programming the data moved to the SRAM to at least one of the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2019-0158696 filed on Dec. 3, 2019, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept relate to a semiconductormemory device, and in particular, to a storage device and a data backupmethod thereof.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

A storage device may be a device that stores data under control of ahost device, such as a computer, a smartphone, or a smart pad. Thestorage device may be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive(SSD), a memory card, etc. In general, the HDD uses a magnetic disk as astorage medium and the SSD uses a semiconductor memory as a storagemedium.

The storage device may be driven by an external power source. Thestorage device may lose data when the external power source fails or ispowered-off. Accordingly, an auxiliary power supply may be included inthe storage device. However, when the external power source ispowered-off, data of the storage device may be backed up using only thelimited energy from the auxiliary power source.

In this case if there is a mishap during a backup operation, the datamay not be completely backed-up using a power from the auxiliary powersource. This may affect the reliability of the backed-up data. Inaddition, this may be exacerbated in a situation where the amount ofdata to be backed-up increases as the capacity or performance of thestorage device increases. Accordingly, an efficient backup managementpolicy may be needed to secure the reliability of data in a backupoperation of the high-capacity and high-performance storage device.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, there isprovided a data backup method of a storage device which includes astorage controller, a buffer memory, and a plurality of nonvolatilememory devices, the method including: detecting a power-off event of anexternal power provided to the storage device; deactivating a hostinterface of the storage controller in response to the detection of thepower-off event; moving data stored in the buffer memory to a staticrandom access memory (SRAM) in the storage controller; blocking ordeactivating a power of the buffer memory; setting an interleaving modeof the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices to a minimum power mode;and programming the data moved to the SRAM to at least one of theplurality of nonvolatile memory devices.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, there isprovided a storage device which includes an auxiliary power supply, thestorage device further including: a power loss prevention circuit formonitoring an external power to detect a power-off event, generating apower-off detection signal when the power-off event is detected, andselecting the auxiliary power supply as a device power when thepower-off event is detected; a plurality of nonvolatile memory devicesprovided in the storage device; a buffer memory for temporarily storingdata exchanged between the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices and ahost; and a storage controller, wherein, in response to the power-offdetection signal, the storage controller moves data stored in the buffermemory and then programs the data moved from the buffer memory to atleast one of the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices, and whereinthe storage controller deactivates a host interface and then blocks ordeactivates a power of the buffer memory after the data has been movedfrom the buffer memory.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, there isprovided a data backup method of a storage device which performs databackup by using an auxiliary power supply when a power-off event occurs,the method including: deactivating a host interface of a storagecontroller in response to the power-off event; setting a nonvolatilememory device to an interleaving mode, which consumes a minimum power,from among a plurality of interleaving modes for accessing thenonvolatile memory device; and programming backup data stored in abuffer memory to the nonvolatile memory device depending on the setinterleaving mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, there isprovided a data backup method of a storage device which includes astorage controller, first and second memories, and a plurality ofnonvolatile memory devices, the method including: powering down a hostinterface in response to a power-off detection signal; moving data fromthe first memory to the second memory; powering down the first memoryafter the data has been moved to the second memory; and programming thedata moved to the second memory to a first one of the plurality ofnonvolatile memory devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other features of the inventive concept will become moreapparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a storage device according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of apower loss prevention device of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storagecontroller of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinventive concept.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a backup method according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, which a storagecontroller of FIG. 3 performs.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a host interface of FIG. 3,according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating how backup data are moved from a buffermemory to a static random access memory (SRAM), according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a nonvolatile memory device and aflash interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating a change of an interleaving modeaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams illustrating a method for powerconnection between a flash interface and a nonvolatile memory device ina backup operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a memory area of a nonvolatilememory device in which backup data according to an exemplary embodimentof the inventive concept are stored.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another example of storagedevices capable of using a backup method according to an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a memory card according toanother exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a storage device using a flash memory device will be usedto describe exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept. However, oneskilled in the art will understand that the inventive concept is notlimited thereto and that the inventive concept may be implemented orapplied through other embodiments. It is to be further understood thatin the drawings, like reference numerals may refer to the same orsimilar elements.

Hereinafter, a “shut-down” state may refer to a stand-by state (or anidle state) in which a power is supplied but a function is disabled anda turn-off state in which a power is substantially turned off.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a storage device according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 1, astorage device 1000 may include an auxiliary power supply 1100, powerloss prevention logic 1200 (e.g., PLP Logic), a storage controller 1300,a nonvolatile memory device 1400, and a buffer memory 1500.

The auxiliary power supply 1100 supplies a stored energy to the storagedevice 1000 when a power-off event in which an external power is blockedoccurs. By using the energy from the auxiliary power supply 1100, thestorage device 1000 may complete an operation being performed and mayperform a data backup operation. However, as the capacity or performanceof the storage device 1000 increases, energy that is consumed in abackup operation increases. However, by efficiently using the limitedenergy stored in the auxiliary power supply 1100 using the inventivetechniques described herein, the reliability of the backup operationwill increase.

The power loss prevention logic 1200 is a component for preventing theloss of a power that is supplied to the storage device 1000. The powerloss prevention logic 1200 may be an integrated circuit (IC), a chip, oran element. In a situation where the external power is normallysupplied, the power loss prevention logic 1200 provides the externalpower as a device power D_PWR that the storage device 1000 uses. In thecase where the external power is blocked, the power loss preventionlogic 1200 provides an output of the auxiliary power supply 1100 as thedevice power D_PWR that the storage device 1000 uses. In other words,the power loss prevention logic 1200 may switch from the external powerto the auxiliary power supply 1100.

In addition, the power loss prevention logic 1200 may detect a power-offevent (PO Event) such as disconnection of an external power or a seriousvoltage drop. When the power-off event (PO Event) is detected, the powerloss prevention logic 1200 may provide a power-off detection signalPO_DET to the storage controller 1300. The power loss prevention logic1200 may switch a source of the device power D_PWR for driving thestorage device 1000 from the external power to the auxiliary powerdevice 1100. An exemplary configuration of the power loss preventionlogic 1200 will be more fully described with reference to FIG. 2.

The storage controller 1300 may be configured to control the nonvolatilememory device 1400 and the buffer memory 1500 in response to a commandfrom a host or under control of the host. For example, in response to arequest of a host, the storage controller 1300 may write data to thenonvolatile memory device 1400 or may read data stored in thenonvolatile memory device 1400 and provide the read data to the host. Toaccess the nonvolatile memory device 1400, the storage controller 1300may provide a command, an address, data, and a control signal to thenonvolatile memory device 1400.

The storage controller 1300 may perform a backup operation whichefficiently utilizes power according to an exemplary embodiment of theinventive concept. For example, when the storage controller 1300 isprovided with the power-off detection signal PO_DET from the power lossprevention logic 1200, the storage controller 1300 interrupts anoperation being currently performed. Next, the storage controller 1300enters a backup mode and backs up data stored in the buffer memory 1500to the nonvolatile memory device 1400. In this case, the storagecontroller 1300 may disable an operation associated with an intellectualproperty (or a function block) or interface circuits in communicationwith the host. The storage controller 1300 may move backup data storedin the buffer memory 1500 to a static random access memory (SRAM) in thestorage controller 1300 and may then shut down the buffer memory 1500.In other words, after backup data are moved, the storage controller 1300may provide a stand-by command to the buffer memory 1500 or may block apower of the buffer memory 1500. The storage controller 1300 may programthe backup data stored in the SRAM to the nonvolatile memory device 1400in a minimum power mode. The minimum power mode may be implemented bypartially shutting-down the nonvolatile memory device 1400. The backupoperation of the storage controller 1300 described above may beperformed by a backup manager 1345. The backup manager 1345 may beincluded in the storage controller 1300 in the form of hardware or maybe implemented in the form of software or firmware. A detailedconfiguration or operation of the storage controller 1300 will bedescribed with reference to drawings to be described later.

Under control of the storage controller 1300, the nonvolatile memorydevice 1400 may store data received from the storage controller 1300 ormay transmit data stored therein to the storage controller 1300. Thenonvolatile memory device 1400 is provided as a storage medium of thestorage device 1000. For example, the nonvolatile memory device 1400 maybe a high-capacity NAND-type flash memory. The nonvolatile memory device1400 may include a plurality of flash memory devices.

In general, the plurality of flash memory devices are connected with thestorage controller 1300 in units of a channel. A plurality of flashmemory devices that communicate with the storage controller 1300 throughthe same data bus are connected with one channel. The nonvolatile memorydevice 1400 may communicate with the storage controller 1300 in achannel/way interleaving manner. In particular, when a power-off eventoccurs, the nonvolatile memory device 1400 may operate in aninterleaving mode in which the nonvolatile memory device 1400communicates with the storage controller 1300 with a minimum power.

The buffer memory 1500 may be used as a data buffer for data exchangebetween the storage device 1000 and the host. In addition, the buffermemory 1500 may store a mapping table in which a logical address (orlogical bit address (LBA)) provided to the storage device 1000 is mappedonto an address of the nonvolatile memory device 1400. The buffer memory1500 temporarily stores write data provided from the host or data readfrom the nonvolatile memory device 1400. When a read operation isrequested from the host, in the case where data present in thenonvolatile memory device 1400 are cached, the buffer memory 1500supports a cache function of providing the cached data directly to thehost. The buffer memory 1500 may be a synchronous dynamic random accessmemory (SDRAM) for providing sufficient buffering in the storage device1000 when the storage device 1000 is used as a high-capacity auxiliarystorage device. However, the buffer memory 1500 is not limited thereto.

According to the above embodiment of the inventive concept, when thepower-off event occurs, the storage device 1000 may block or inactivatea power of blocks that perform interfacing with the host of the storagecontroller 1300. For example, the storage device 1000 may disable a hostinterface circuit. The storage controller 1300 may move data of thebuffer memory 1500, which can consume a lot of stand-by power in thebackup operation, to the SRAM and may then shut down the buffer memory1500. The storage controller 1300 may program the backup data moved tothe SRAM to the nonvolatile memory device 1400 in the minimum powermode. The minimum power mode may include a program technique in whichway interleaving is minimized, for example, by programming data to asingle level cell (SLC) area or by partially shutting-down thenonvolatile memory device 1400. According to an exemplary embodiment ofthe inventive concept, the reliability of backup data may be increasedeven though a power to be consumed in the backup operation of thestorage device 1000 is minimized. In addition, it is possible toflexibly cope with an increase in a capacity of backup data of thestorage device 1000. It is to be understood that the storage device 1000may be a high capacity and high performance storage device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of apower loss prevention device of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept. The power loss prevention logic1200 of FIG. 1 may hereinafter be referred to as the power lossprevention device 1200. Referring to FIG. 2, the power loss preventiondevice 1200 may include a power-off detector 1220 and a power selectionswitch (PSSW) 1240.

The power-off detector 1220 monitors a level of the external power andgenerates a power selection signal SEL and the power-off detectionsignal PO_DET based on the monitoring result. The power-off detector1220 may detect a case where the external power is turned off or avoltage of the external power decreases to a reference value or less. Ineither case, the power-off detector 1220 may determine that a power-offevent has occurred. In this case, the power-off detector 1220 controlsthe power selection switch 1240 to select the auxiliary power supply1100, not the external power. In other words, the power selection switch1240 connects to the auxiliary power supply 1100. The power-off detector1220 may transmit the power-off detection signal PO_DET to trigger thebackup operation of the storage controller 1300. The power-off detectionsignal PO_DET may be transmitted, for example, through a general-purposeinput/output interface (GPIO).

The power selection switch 1240 provides the external power or a powerof the auxiliary power device 1100 as the device power D_PWR in responseto the power selection signal SEL provided from the power-off detector1220. In a situation where the external power is normally supplied, thepower-off detector 1220 may allow the power selection switch 1240 toprovide the external power as the device power D_PWR. However, in thecase where the power-off detector 1220 detects the power-off event, thepower selection switch 1240 may select the auxiliary power supply 1100to provide the device power D_PWR.

The auxiliary power supply 1100 may store the energy provided from anexternal power supply while the external power is supplied. For example,the auxiliary power supply 1100 may include one or more capacitors 1110,1120, and 1130 charging charges. The auxiliary power supply 1100 maystore enough energy to manage the backup operation of the storage device1000. Accordingly, the plurality of capacitors 1110, 1120, and 1130 maybe capacitive elements with high stability. For example, the pluralityof capacitors 1110, 1120, and 1130 may be implemented by using elementssuch as an electrolytic capacitor, a film capacitor, a tantalumcapacitor, or a ceramic capacitor (e.g., a multi-layer ceramic condenser(MLCC)). However, the capacitors 1110, 1120, and 1130 of the auxiliarypower supply 1100 are not limited to the above examples.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storagecontroller of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinventive concept. Referring to FIG. 3, the storage controller 1300according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept mayinclude a general-purpose input/output interface (GPIO) 1310, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 1320, an SRAM 1330, a code memory 1340, a hostinterface 1350, a buffer controller 1360, a direct memory access (DMA)engine 1370, a flash interface 1380, and a system bus 1390.

The general-purpose input/output interface 1310 provides an interfacefor direction communication with the storage controller 1300. Inparticular, the general-purpose input/output interface 1310 according toan exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept may receive thepower-off detection signal PO_DET provided from the power lossprevention logic 1200. The general-purpose input/output interface 1310may receive the power-off detection signal PO_DET and may transmit thepower-off detection signal PO_DET to the central processing unit 1320.

The central processing unit 1320 may include a processing unit such as amicro-processor. The central processing unit 1320 may manage overalloperations of the storage controller 1300. The central processing unit1320 is configured to drive firmware for driving the storage controller1300. The central processing unit 1320 may execute, for example, variousfirmware loaded to the code memory 1340. In particular, the centralprocessing unit 1320 may execute the backup manager 1345 according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept to minimize energy useduring backup. As the backup manager 1345 is executed, the centralprocessing unit 1320 may transmit various control information necessaryfor backup to the relevant components.

For example, as the backup manager 1345 is executed, the centralprocessing unit 1320 detects the power-off event of the storage device1000. When the power-off event is detected, the central processing unit1320 may disable or inactivate components, which perform communicationwith the host, such as the host interface 1350 and the DMA engine 1370.The central processing unit 1320 moves backup data, which remain in thebuffer memory 1500, to the SRAM 1330 present in the storage controller1300. Next, by using a command or a control signal, the centralprocessing unit 1320 shuts down the power of the buffer memory 1500 andthe buffer controller 1360 or sets the buffer memory 1500 and the buffercontroller 1360 to an inactive mode. Lastly, the central processing unit1320 programs the backup data moved to the SRAM 1330 to the nonvolatilememory device 1400. In this case, also, under control of the centralprocessing unit 1320, the flash interface 1380 may control theinterleaving mode and may program the backup data to the nonvolatilememory device 1400 in the minimum power mode.

The SRAM 1330 may be used as a cache memory or a working memory of thecentral processing unit 1320. The SRAM 1330 may store codes andinstructions that the central processing unit 1320 executes. The SRAM1330 may store data that are processed by the central processing unit1320. For example, data for interfacing with the host may be stored inthe SRAM 1330. When the power-off event occurs, because a function ofexchanging data with the host is disabled, the function of the SRAM 1330may be restricted. In this case, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe inventive concept, backup data that are pending in the buffer memory1500 may be moved to the SRAM 1330. In other words, when the power-offevent occurs, instead of the buffer memory 1500 consuming a lot ofpower, the SRAM 1330 may buffer backup data.

Codes or firmware for driving or controlling the storage controller 1300are loaded to the code memory 1340. For example, firmware for performingbasic functions of the storage controller 1300 manufactured for aspecific purpose may be loaded to the code memory 1340. For example, thebackup manager 1345 is stored in the code memory 1340 according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. When the power-off eventis detected, the backup manager 1345 controls a procedure for backing updata of the buffer memory 1500 or the SRAM 1330 to the nonvolatilememory device 1400. When the backup manager 1345 is executed by thecentral processing unit 1320, the host interface 1350, the DMA engine1370, the buffer memory 1500, the buffer controller 1360, and thenonvolatile memory device 1400 are sequentially shut down correspondingto the movement of the backup data by partially blocking a powerthereto. It is to be understood however, that the host interface 1350,the DMA engine 1370, the buffer memory 1500, the buffer controller 1360,and the nonvolatile memory device 1400 may not be sequentially shutdown. For example, the host interface 1350 and the DMA engine 1370 maybe shut down at the same time. Here, the code memory 1340 may bereferred to as a “memory” capable of loading firmware or a code.

The host interface 1350 provides an interface between the host and thestorage controller 1300. When the power-off event occurs, the overallcommunication between the storage device 1000 and the host is blocked.Accordingly, even though the host interface 1350 is disabled orinactivated when the power-off event occurs, this is not a concern. Inthis case, for example, a power that is provided to a physical layer(PHY) of the host interface 1350 effectuating communication with thehost may be blocked. Alternatively, a clock signal that is provided tothe physical layer (PHY) of the host interface 1350 may be blocked whenthe power-off event occurs. The host and the storage controller 1300 maybe connected through one of various standardized interfaces. Here, thestandardized interfaces include various interfaces such as an advancedtechnology attachment (ATA) interface, a serial ATA (SATA) interface, anexternal SATA (e-SATA) interface, a small computer small interface(SCSI), a serial attached SCSI (SAS), a peripheral componentinterconnection (PC) interface, a PC Express (PC-E) interface, auniversal serial bus (USB) interface, an IEEE 1394 interface, auniversal flash store (UFS) interface, and a card interface.

The buffer controller 1360 controls read and write operations of thebuffer memory 1500. For example, the buffer controller 1360 temporarilystores write data or read data to the buffer memory 1500 under controlof the central processing unit 1320 or the DMA engine 1370. For example,the buffer controller 1360 may classify and manage a memory area of thebuffer memory 1500 by a stream under control of the central processingunit 1320. Under control of the central processing unit 1320, the buffercontroller 1360 may update a head pointer or a tail pointer of thebuffer memory 1500 implemented with a ring buffer or a circular bufferand may output the updated pointer to the outside. For example, when thepower-off event occurs, the buffer controller 1360 controls the buffermemory 1500 to move backup data stored in the buffer memory 1500 to theSRAM 1330. When the backup data stored in the buffer memory 1500 arecompletely read, the backup manager 1345 may shut down the power that isprovided to the buffer memory 1500. The shut-down of the buffer memory1500 may be performed by using a physical power gating switch.Alternatively, to shut down the buffer memory 1500, a command forblocking a power may be transmitted to a power management integratedcircuit (PMIC) or a voltage regulator, which provides a power to thebuffer memory 1500, by using a control channel such as I2C (e.g.,inter-integrated circuit). When the buffer memory 1500 is shut down,under control of the central processing unit 1320, a power that issupplied to the buffer controller 1360 may be completely or partiallyblocked, or a clock signal that is supplied to the buffer controller1360 may be blocked.

The DMA engine 1370 controls a direct memory access (DMA) operation ofthe storage device 1000. The DMA engine 1370 performs data transmissionwith the host or any other external device under control of the centralprocessing unit 1320. For example, in a DMA transfer mode, the DMAengine 1370 may transmit read data loaded to the buffer memory 1500 tothe host in the form of a stream. Alternatively, in the DMA transfermode, the DMA engine 1370 may store stream data provided from the hostto the buffer memory 1500. The DMA engine 1370 performs the DMAoperation of the buffer memory 1500 with the host. The DMA operation isinterrupted when the power-off event occurs. Accordingly, as the backupdata stored in the buffer memory 1500 are moved to the SRAM 1330, thepower or clock signal of the DMA engine 1370 may be blocked.

The flash interface 1380 provides interfacing between the storagecontroller 1300 and the nonvolatile memory device 1400. For example,data processed by the central processing unit 1320 are stored to thenonvolatile memory device 1400 through the flash interface 1380. Inparticular, when the power-off event occurs, the flash interface 1380communicates with the nonvolatile memory device 1400 in the minimumpower mode. The flash interface 1380 may transmit backup data to thenonvolatile memory device 1400 connected with respective channels CH1,CH2, CH3 . . . CHn in the minimum interleaving mode. The flash interface1380 may control (or change) an interleaving manner associated with thenonvolatile memory device 1400 under control of the central processingunit 1320. Under control of the central processing unit 1320, the flashinterface 1380 may minimize the number of times of way interleaving ofeach channel is performed within a particular range.

Components of the storage controller 1300 are described above. Due tothe function of the storage controller 1300 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept, when the power-off event occurs, apower of components not associated with the backup operation may beblocked or inactivated in a state where a power is supplied to onlycomponents necessary for the backup operation. In other words, power issupplied to a minimum number of components needed for the backupoperation. Accordingly, when the power-off event occurs, the limitedenergy of the auxiliary power supply 1100 may be efficiently used. Forexample, the energy of the auxiliary power supply 1100 is efficientlycontrolled such that the backup operation may be completed in itsentirety and no data is lost.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a backup method according to anexemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, which a storagecontroller of FIG. 3 performs. Referring to FIG. 4, when the power-offevent occurs, the storage controller 1300 performs a sequential backupoperation for minimum power consumption.

In operation S110, the storage controller 1300 may monitor whether thepower-off event occurs. The storage controller 1300 monitors thepower-off detection signal PO_DET provided from the power lossprevention logic 1200 (refer to FIG. 1). When the external power isturned off or a level of the external power decreases to a referencevalue or less, the power loss prevention logic 1200 may provide thepower-off detection signal PO_DET to the storage controller 1300. Thepower loss prevention logic 1200 uses a power of the auxiliary powersupply 1100 as the device power D_PWR. In other words, the power lossprevention logic 1200 switches to the auxiliary power supply 1100 whenthe external power is turned off or when a level of the external powerdecreases to a reference value or less.

In operation S120, the storage controller 1300 monitors the power-offdetection signal PO_DET from the power loss prevention logic 1200 anddetects the occurrence of the power-off event. When the power-offdetection signal PO_DET is activated, the procedure proceeds tooperation S130 to perform the backup operation according to an exemplaryof the inventive concept. When the power-off detection signal PO_DET isin an inactive state, the procedure proceeds to operation S110 tocontinue to monitor the power-off event. It is to be understood that thepower-off detection signal PO_DET may be in the inactive state undernormal operation of the external power source.

In operation S130, the storage controller 1300 may block or inactivate apower of components of the storage controller 1300, which are associatedwith communication with the host. For example, the storage controller1300 may block a clock signal that is provided to the host interface1350 which interfaces with the host. For example, the storage controller1300 may inactivate a phase locked loop (PLL) that is used to exchangedata with the host and is included in the host interface 1350. Inaddition, a power of the DMA engine 1370 which performs a direct memoryaccess (DMA) with the host may also be blocked. The power may be cut-offin response to a command provided in units of an intellectual property(IP) or by a power gating control performed in units of an IP.

In operation S140, data that are present on the buffer memory 1500 aremoved to the SRAM 1330. The buffer memory 1500 may be an SDRAM thatrequires a continuous refresh operation, thereby consuming a largeamount of power. Accordingly, to minimize power consumption, backup datathat remain in the buffer memory 1500 may be moved to the SRAM 1330which is a low-power memory.

In operation S150, the buffer memory 1500, from which the backup datahas been completely removed, is shut down. A power gating switch that ispresent on a power line providing a power to the buffer memory 1500 maybe controlled to shut down the buffer memory 1500. Alternatively, acommand of an I2C interface for controlling a PMIC or a voltageregulator providing a power to the buffer memory 1500 may be used toshut down the buffer memory 1500.

In operation S160, the buffer controller 1360 is shut down. The buffercontroller 1360 which interfaces with the buffer memory 1500 is notrequired after the buffer memory 1500 is shut down. Thus, to preventpower consumption of the buffer controller 1360 in even an idle state, apower of the buffer controller 1360 may be blocked, or the buffercontroller 1360 may be inactivated.

In operation S170, the central processing unit 1320 sets thecommunication between the flash interface 1380 and the nonvolatilememory device 1400 to the minimum power mode. For example, the centralprocessing unit 1320 may change the interleaving mode of the flashinterface 1380 to a mode corresponding to a minimum bandwidth. Forexample, in the case where the storage device 1000 is driven by theexternal power, the flash interface 1380 may communicate with thenonvolatile memory device 1400 in the interleaving mode for providingmaximum performance. In this case, the flash interface 1380 may use aninterleaving mode (e.g., a 32-way mode) in which all nonvolatile memorydevices connected with respective channels are used. However, when thepower-off event occurs, the flash interface 1380 may communicate withthe nonvolatile memory device 1400 in the interleaving mode for using aminimum power rather than maximum performance. In this case, the flashinterface 1380 may use an interleaving mode (e.g., an 8-way mode) inwhich a minimum bandwidth is provided. In this case, nonvolatile memorydevices corresponding to a channel or way not used may be set to aninactive mode, or a power provided to those nonvolatile memory devicesmay be blocked.

In operation S180, the backup data stored in the SRAM 1330 areprogrammed to a nonvolatile memory device to which an auxiliary power issupplied. Because a size of backup data is not great and a power issupplied to a part of the nonvolatile memory device 1400, the backupoperation may be sufficiently performed only by using a power providedfrom the auxiliary power supply 1100.

The backup method of the storage device 1000 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept is briefly described above. When thepower-off event occurs, the limited energy of the auxiliary power supply1100 may be efficiently used by blocking a power of components not usedfor the backup and then blocking the power of the components on a backuppath after they have been used.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a host interface of FIG. 3,according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Referringto FIG. 5, the host interface 1350 may include a host interface physicallayer 1352, host interface logic 1354, and a clock generator 1356.

The host interface physical layer 1352 supports a high-speed interfacestandard of the host. The host interface physical layer 1352 may allowthe storage device 1000 to perform communication in compliance with theinterface standard (e.g., SATA, SAS, PCIe, or USB) of the host. Incompliance with a transport protocol for communication with the host,the host interface physical layer 1352 may transmit an output signal andmay receive a reception signal transmitted from the host. For example,the host interface physical layer 1352 may include MIPI M-PHY whichsupports a high speed data communications physical layer protocolstandard.

The host interface logic 1354 performs a control operation and bufferingfor supporting the transport protocol of the host interface physicallayer 1352. For example, in the case where data are transmitted from thebuffer memory 1500 to the host, the host interface logic 1354 mayprocess a command corresponding to the transport protocol fortransmitting data or may perform a control operation such as interrupt.

The clock generator 1356 generates clock signals CLK0 and CLK1 fordriving the host interface 1350. For example, the clock generator 1356may be a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit. The clock generator 1356 maystop generating at least one of the clock signals CLK0 and CLK1 inresponse to a disable signal DIS. The disable signal DIS may be providedfrom the central processing unit 1320. When the clock signal CLK1 isinactivated, an operation of the host interface physical layer 1352 isstopped. When the clock signal CLK0 is inactivated, an operation of thehost interface logic 1354 is stopped.

When the power-off event occurs, there is no need for an operation ofexchanging data with the host. In this case, the host interface physicallayer 1352 and the host interface logic 1354 that perform communicationwith the host in the storage controller 1300 are not used. As the backupmanager 1345 is driven, the central processing unit 1320 may block apower of the host interface 1350 or may inactivate or disable the clockgenerator 1356. Accordingly, when the power-off event occurs,consumption of an idle power in the host interface 1350 may beprevented.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating how backup data are moved from a buffermemory to an SRAM, according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept. Referring to FIG. 6, the central processing unit 1320 maycontrol the buffer controller 1360 such that backup data remaining inthe buffer memory 1500 are moved to the SRAM 1330.

After a power or a clock signal to the host interface physical layer1352 and the DMA engine 1370 is blocked, the moving of the backup dataof the buffer memory 1500 to the SRAM 1330 is initiated. Because thebuffer memory 1500 is being accessed, a power may be supplied to thebuffer controller 1360. First, the central processing unit 1320 maycontrol the buffer controller 1360 to read the backup data remaining inthe buffer memory 1500. The buffer controller 1360 reads the backup datapresent in the buffer memory 1500 under control of the centralprocessing unit 1320. The buffer controller 1360 may transmit the readbackup data to the SRAM 1330 under control of the central processingunit 1320.

The SRAM 1330 may store the backup data under control of the centralprocessing unit 1320. In the case where a memory for storing the backupdata to the SRAM 1330 is insufficient, cache memories or workingmemories in the storage controller 1300 may be utilized. Alternatively,a portion of the backup data may be selectively stored to the SRAM 1330depending on importance. For example, metadata such as mapping data maybe preferentially stored to the SRAM 1330. In this case, other data maybe stored in the cache or working memories.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a nonvolatile memory device and aflash interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept. Referring to FIG. 7, the flash interface 1380 may be connectedwith the nonvolatile memory device 1400 through the plurality ofchannels CH1, CH2, CH3 . . . CHn.

An input/output port of each of “m” nonvolatile memory devices NVM_11,NVM_12, NVW_13 . . . NVM_1 m (m being a natural number) is connectedwith the first channel CH1. A plurality of nonvolatile memory devicesNVM_21 . . . NVMnm are connected with each of the second channel CH2 tothe n-th channel CHn in the same manner. Nonvolatile memory devicesconnected with the same channel share input/output ports.

When the power-off event occurs, the central processing unit 1320 mayset a communication mode between the flash interface 1380 and thenonvolatile memory device 1400 to the minimum power mode. For example,the flash interface 1380 may again set a channel/way interleaving mannerto a manner (or an interleaving mode) corresponding to the minimum powermode. For example, in a normal mode where the external power is used,the flash interface 1380 may communicate with the nonvolatile memorydevice 1400 in a fully interleaving manner in which “n” channels and “m”ways all are used. However, when the power-off event occurs, the flashinterface 1380 may communicate with the nonvolatile memory device 1400in a partial interleaving manner in which a part of the “n” channels anda part of the “n” ways are used.

A memory size of the nonvolatile memory device 1400 that is necessary toprogram backup data is not great. Accordingly, there is no need to usethe fully interleaving manner, which requires large power consumption,in the backup operation in which the device power D_PWR is provided fromthe auxiliary power supply 1100. Accordingly, even though theinterleaving mode is switched to the partial interleaving manner capableof using a minimum power, it is possible to program backup data.

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating a change of an interleaving modeaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Referringto FIG. 8, the flash interface 1380 may operate in a backup mode that isset when the power-off event occurs or a normal mode in which theexternal power is provided. This is illustrated in the column under “PWmode”.

The normal mode corresponds to a full power mode in which all ways areapplied to interleaving. For example, in the case where 32 nonvolatilememory devices are connected with one channel, there may be used a32-way interleaving manner in which all the nonvolatile memory devicesconnected with the channel are interleaved.

In the backup mode, some of the nonvolatile memory devices connectedwith the channel may be used for interleaving, and a power of theremaining nonvolatile memory devices may be blocked, or the remainingnonvolatile memory devices may be changed to an inactive mode. Forexample, in the table of FIG. 8, in the backup mode, an 8-wayinterleaving manner may be employed. Accordingly, the flash interface1380 and the nonvolatile memory device 1400 may operate in the minimumpower mode.

Features of exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept are describedabove by using the interleaving mode consuming a minimum power in theway interleaving manner. However, the interleaving manner is only anexample, and it is understood that various channel/way interleavingmanners can be used to minimize power consumption.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams illustrating a method for powerconnection between a flash interface and a nonvolatile memory device ina backup operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when the power-off event occurs, the flashinterface 1380 may receive a partial shut-down command PSD_CMD from thecentral processing unit 1320 (refer to FIG. 3). In this case, the flashinterface 1380 may transmit a stand-by command SB_CMD to nonvolatilememory interface NVM9 to NVM32 while maintaining a state of nonvolatilememory devices (e.g., NVM1 to NVM8).

In contrast, in the normal mode where the external power is normallyprovided to the storage device 1000, a separate state control commandmay not be transmitted to the nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM32.In other words, the stand-by command SB_CMB may not be transmitted tothe nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM32. Accordingly, all thenonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM32 may normally performinterleaving.

However, in the case where the power-off event occurs, the flashinterface 1380 may transmit the stand-by command SB_CMD to somenonvolatile memory devices (e.g., NVM9 to NVM32) in response to thepartial shut-down command PSD_CMD provided from the central processingunit 1320. Accordingly, only the nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM8to be used for backup may maintain an activated state, and thenonvolatile memory devices NVM9 to NVM32 not used for backup may enter astand-by mode.

Here, the nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM8 may be devicesconstituting ways Way 1 to Way8 in a way interleaving mode. Thenonvolatile memory devices NVM9 to NVM32 may be devices constituting theremaining ways Way 9 to Way32 in the way interleaving mode.

Referring to FIG. 9B, when the power-off event occurs, the flashinterface 1380 may receive the partial shut-down command PSD_CMD fromthe central processing unit 1320 (refer to FIG. 3). In this case, theflash interface 1380 may control a component (e.g., a voltage regulator)for supplying a power to the nonvolatile memory device 1400 to provide apower to only some nonvolatile memory devices (e.g., NVM1 to NVM8) to beused for backup.

In the normal mode where the external power is normally provided to thestorage device 1000, the flash interface 1380 may activate all of firstand second voltage regulators 1382 and 1384. Accordingly, a power may benormally supplied to all the nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM32.

However, in the case where the power-off event occurs, the flashinterface 1380 may supply a power only to some nonvolatile memorydevices (e.g., NVM1 to NVM8) in response to the partial shut-downcommand PSD_CMD provided from the central processing unit 1320. In otherwords, in response to the partial shut-down command PSD_CMD, the flashinterface 1380 may activate only the first voltage regulator 1382 andmay inactivate the second voltage regulator 1384. Accordingly, a powermay be provided only to some nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM8 tobe used for backup.

Here, the nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM8 may be devicesconstituting ways Way 1 to Way8 in a way interleaving mode. Thenonvolatile memory devices NVM9 to NVM32 may be devices constituting theremaining ways Way 9 to Way32 in the way interleaving mode. In otherwords, when the power-off event occurs, a channel or way interleavingmanner for backup may be changed to a mode using a minimum power.

Referring to FIG. 9C, when the power-off event occurs, the flashinterface 1380 may partially provide a power to the nonvolatile memorydevice 1400. To accomplish this, the flash interface 1380 may includepower gating switches SW1 and SW2 for selectively supplying a power tosome nonvolatile memory devices.

In the normal mode where the external power is normally provided to thestorage device 1000, the flash interface 1380 may maintain all the powergating switches SW1 and SW2 in a turn-on state. In this case, theexternal power may be provided as the device power D_PWR.

In contrast, when the power-off event occurs, under control of thecentral processing unit 1320, the flash interface 1380 may provide thedevice power D_PWR only to some nonvolatile memory devices (e.g., NVM1to NVM8) to be used for backup. To accomplish this, under control of thecentral processing unit 1320, the flash interface 1380 may turn on thepower gating switch SW1 that supplies a power to the nonvolatile memorydevices NVM1 to NVM8. The flash interface 1380 may turn off the powergating switch SW2 that supplies a power to the remaining nonvolatilememory devices (e.g., NVM9 to NVM32) not used for backup.

Here, the nonvolatile memory devices NVM1 to NVM8 may be devicesconstituting ways Way 1 to Way8 in a way interleaving mode. Thenonvolatile memory devices NVM9 to NVM32 may be devices constituting theremaining ways Way 9 to Way32 in the way interleaving mode. In otherwords, when the power-off event occurs, a channel or way interleavingmanner for backup may be changed to a mode using a minimum power.

The description is given above as an interleaving mode in which aminimum power is used to perform the backup operation decreases thenumber of ways to be interleaved. However, in exemplary embodiments ofthe inventive concept, it is understood that a channel or wayinterleaving mode is variously changed to a mode (or condition) forminimum power consumption.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a memory area of a nonvolatilememory device in which backup data according to an exemplary embodimentof the inventive concept are stored. Referring to FIG. 10, backup datastored in the SRAM 1330 may be provided to a single level cell (SLC)area of a selected nonvolatile memory device 1410.

The nonvolatile memory device 1410 may include a plurality of areas inwhich the number of bits to be stored per cell is not equal. Forexample, the nonvolatile memory device 1400 may include an SLC area 1412in which 1-bit data are stored per cell and a triple level cell (TLC)area 1414 in which 3-bit data are stored per cell. In general, anoperation of programming data to the TLC area 1414 requires a relativelylarge power. In contrast, an operation of programming data to the SLCarea 1412 requires a relatively small power. Accordingly, in the backupmode in which an operation is performed with the limited energy, thebackup data stored in the SRAM 1330 is programmed to the SLC area 1412of the nonvolatile memory device 1400. In the alternative, the backupdata stored in the SRAM 1330 may be programmed to the TLC area 1414.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another example of storagedevices capable of using a backup method according to an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 11, a storagedevice 2000 may operate under control of the host. For example, thestorage device 2000 may include a memory controller 2210 and anonvolatile memory device 2220. The memory controller 2210 may operatein response to a command received from the host. For example, the memorycontroller 2210 may receive a write command and write data from the hostand may store the received write data to the nonvolatile memory device2220 in response to the received write command.

Alternatively, the memory controller 2210 may receive a read commandfrom the host and may read data stored in the nonvolatile memory device2220 in response to the received read command. Afterwards, the memorycontroller 2210 may transmit the read data to the host. In an exemplaryembodiment of the inventive concept, the nonvolatile memory device 2220may be a NAND flash memory device, but the inventive concept is notlimited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the host maycommunicate with the storage device 2000 based on a universal flashstorage (UFS) interface defined by the JEDEC standard. For example, thehost and the storage device 2000 may exchange packets in the form of aUFS protocol information unit (UPIU). The UPIU may include variousinformation defined by an interface (e.g., a UFS interface) between thehost and the storage device 2000. However, the inventive concept is notlimited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, when the power-offevent occurs, the storage device 1000 may first block a power of a hostinterface and a DMA engine. Next, backup data present in an SRAM or aDRAM may be programmed to the nonvolatile memory device 2220. In thiscase, the nonvolatile memory device 2220 may change a mode to aninterleaving mode for minimum power consumption.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a memory card according toanother exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Referring to FIG.12, a memory card 3000 includes a memory controller 3210 and anonvolatile memory device 3220. The memory card 3000 includes anystorage device, which includes a nonvolatile memory, such as a securedigital (SD) card, a multimedia card (MMC), or a removable mobilestorage device (e.g., a USB memory).

The memory controller 3210 may include a central processing unit 3211,an SRAM 3213, a host interface 3215, an error correction block 3217, anda flash interface 3219. The memory controller 3210 may further includean auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply may be locatedinside the memory controller 3210 or may be located outside the memorycontroller 3210. The auxiliary power supply has the same configurationand operation as those described in the above embodiments.

The memory card 3000 is connected with the host and is used. The memorycard 3000 may exchange data with the host device through the hostinterface 3215 and may exchange data with the nonvolatile memory 3220through the flash interface 3219. The memory card 3000 is supplied witha power from the host and performs an internal operation. In the casewhere the power from the host is suddenly blocked (or is suddenly turnedof), the auxiliary power supply provides an auxiliary power forperforming an operation of backing up data from the SRAM 3213 to thenonvolatile memory 3220. In particular, the memory controller 3210 mayfirst block a power of components not forming a backup path in a databackup operation and may perform the data backup operation. In otherwords, when the power-off event occurs, the memory controller 3210 mayblock a power or a clock signal to components except for those in thedata backup path. The memory controller 3210 may set an interleavingmanner of the nonvolatile memory 3220 to a manner for minimum powerconsumption.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, when apower-off event of a storage device occurs, it is possible toefficiently use a power of an auxiliary power supply and to increase thereliability of backup data.

While the inventive concept has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that various changes and modifications may be madethereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventiveconcept as set forth in the following claims.

1. A data backup method of a storage device which includes a storagecontroller, a buffer memory, and a plurality of nonvolatile memorydevices, the method comprising: detecting a power-off event of anexternal power provided to the storage device; deactivating a hostinterface of the storage controller in response to the detection of thepower-off event; causing data stored in the buffer memory to beprogrammed to at least one of the plurality of nonvolatile memorydevices; blocking or deactivating a power of the buffer memory; andsetting an interleaving mode of the plurality of nonvolatile memorydevices to reduce power consumption.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein,when the power-off event is detected, a device power of the storagedevice is changed from the external power to a power of an auxiliarypower supply.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the deactivating ofthe host interface, a power of a direct memory access (DMA) engineincluded in the storage controller is blocked.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: blocking or deactivating a power of a buffercontroller controlling the buffer memory after the power of the buffermemory is blocked or deactivated.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thedeactivating of the host interface includes: deactivating a clockgenerator generating a clock signal for driving the host interface. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein, in the setting of the interleaving modeof the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices, a channel or wayinterleaving unit between the plurality of nonvolatile memory devicesand the storage controller is set to a minimum unit of a plurality ofinterleaving units.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the data areprogrammed to a single level cell (SLC) area of a nonvolatile memorydevice selected by the interleaving unit.
 8. A storage device whichincludes an auxiliary power supply, comprising: a power loss preventioncircuit for monitoring an external power to detect a power-off event,generating a power-off detection signal when the power-off event isdetected, and selecting the auxiliary power supply as a device powerwhen the power-off event is detected; a plurality of nonvolatile memorydevices provided in the storage device; a buffer memory for temporarilystoring data exchanged between the plurality of nonvolatile memorydevices and a host; and a storage controller, wherein, in response tothe power-off detection signal, the storage controller moves data storedin the buffer memory and then programs the data moved from the buffermemory to at least one of the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices,and wherein the storage controller deactivates a host interface and thenblocks or deactivates a power of the buffer memory after the data hasbeen moved from the buffer memory.
 9. The storage device of claim 8,wherein the storage controller includes: a central processing unit forperforming a backup operation in response to the power-off detectionsignal; a buffer controller for controlling the buffer memory inresponse to the central processing unit; and a flash interface connectedwith the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices in channel units andaccessing the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices in a channel orway interleaving manner, wherein, after the data are moved from thebuffer memory, the central processing unit blocks or deactivates a powerof the buffer controller.
 10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein thestorage controller further includes: a direct memory access (DMA) enginefor controlling a DMA operation with the host, and wherein the centralprocessing unit deactivates the DMA engine together with the hostinterface.
 11. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the host interfacefurther includes: a clock generator for providing a clock signal forcommunication with the host, and wherein the central processing unitturns off the clock generator and deactivates the host interface. 12.The storage device of claim 9, wherein the data moved from the buffermemory is provided to the at least one of the plurality of nonvolatilememory devices.
 13. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the flashinterface changes an interleaving mode to reduce power consumption inthe backup operation.
 14. The storage device of claim 13, wherein, inthe changed interleaving mode, the flash interface programs the data toa single level cell (SLC) area of the plurality of nonvolatile memorydevices.
 15. The storage device of claim 13, wherein, in the changedinterleaving mode, a power of unselected nonvolatile memory devices isblocked or deactivated.
 16. A data backup method of a storage devicewhich performs data backup by using an auxiliary power supply when apower-off event occurs, the method comprising: deactivating a hostinterface of a storage controller in response to the power-off event;changing an interleaving mode of a nonvolatile memory device to reducepower consumption, from among a plurality of interleaving modes foraccessing the nonvolatile memory device; and programming backup datastored in a buffer memory to the nonvolatile memory device depending onthe changed interleaving mode.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein, inthe deactivating of the host interface, a power of a direct memoryaccess (DMA) engine included in the storage controller is blocked. 18.The method of claim 16, wherein, in the deactivating of the hostinterface, a clock generator generating a clock signal for driving thehost interface is deactivated.
 19. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: blocking or deactivating a power of the buffer memory or abuffer controller for controlling the buffer memory after the backupdata are completely moved to the storage controller.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the backup data are programmed to a single level cell(SLC) area of the nonvolatile memory device. 21-26. (canceled)